New private jet firm to ease global travel

The entrant. VistaJet is the first international business Jet company to launch in Uganda.

Business people and other travellers can now directly fly to and from any part of the world at their time of preference.
The development comes after VistaJet, a privately owned business jet with headquarters in Switzerland launched operations in Uganda on Wednesday.
Unlike passenger airlines that have specific departure and arrival timetables, private business jets fly at the traveler’s preferred time.
Speaking at its launch at Entebbe airport, Mr Thomas Flohr, the founder and chairman of VistaJet, said the company will enable travellers to reach the remotest areas, conduct business and return with no delays.
“We offer to fly any person directly to the destination they need to go. Uganda is one of the major growing markets. East Africa is booming. We come to offer quality travel solutions,” Mr Flohr said.
The entry of VistaJet comes at a time when the country’s oil presence is attracting investors and after the Bank of Uganda has signaled a positive outlook for this year, meaning that more investors will find Uganda conducive to conduct business.
When asked to explain the relationship between VistaJet’s entry and the oil factor, Mr Flohr said; “Launching because of oil discovery? No. It is the tremendous opportunities of fast growing economies that have made us come. Smarter people are back to this region because there are more opportunities here than in western countries.”
At the launch, Mr Charles Mbire, the Vista Jet host, also chairman MTN Uganda, said the VistaJet is timely as East Africa has become a very attractive destination for worldwide investors.
He said: “VistaJet brings new potential in this region. It is here to enable business and not for leisure. Business is today about cost and time. Ugandans should come out collectively and realise that we have to act globally to compete at the global level.”
Additionally, Mr Ignie Igunduura, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)’s public relations manager, said the entry of VistaJet is a show of confidence in the country’s growing aviation industry.
“Before any air company joins the market, they first do a thorough assessment of the market. They have come to Uganda after knowing that there is potential.”

nkalungi@ug.nationmedia.com